Braver With You (Great Love Book 1)

by A. Hart

  Emerson

  That week was probably the best week of my life. I usually came home from school and mopped around the house or went out with Sarah to keep myself occupied. Although I still somehow saw Sarah almost every day, my nights were consumed with Cal. I explained to her that he was only here for 2 weeks and that was why I had to get my fill. She was lonely but understood. “Once he moves back here and this thing is for real I better have a lot more Em time!” I laughed, “Of course girl.” My heart went sad but I covered it with a smile. I wasn’t sure if this “thing” would become real. I knew I loved him and I knew he cared for me but I didn’t really know for sure how he felt. I sure didn’t know what his plan was. Was he planning on just leaving and coming back as my friend? Was he planning on making a commitment to me and staying in touch this time? What would that commitment mean?

  Thursday night we made dinner, he helped me study, we watched a little TV, made love and laid holding each other just like we had every night that week. I had been dying to know the answer to the question I asked him the first night we made love. Why hadn’t he written me? Was he planning on disappearing like that again? The questions burned in my throat and I almost asked him a thousand times but it was all too perfect to ruin. I was terrified of ruining something that already seemed too good to be true. So instead of getting my answers, I swallowed my questions. I laid in bed thinking of it all when Cal broke my train of thought. “Em...” He said, sounding concerned. “Hmmm?” I answered looking up at his beautiful blue eyes. He ran his fingers through my hair “Is something bothering you?” I paused, damn him for being so observant. I smiled wearily, “No, of course not, everything is perfect. Why?” He looked down at me and frowned a little. “Huh…well just because I’ve noticed your mind seems preoccupied and I just want to make sure you are okay.”

  I smiled slightly. “Yeah I’m good, I told you everything’s...” He sighed as he cut me off “Perfect, yeah I know…”I laid my head back down on his chest and ran my hand up and down his perfect abs. I could hear his heart beat and feel the gentle way his chest rose up and down. Suddenly he broke the silence again. “Emmm…” I looked up at him, this time with a smile “Yes….” He brushed his hand over my shoulder. “My families having a party for Jenny this Saturday at their ranch.” I paused and lifted myself onto my elbows a little bit “Oh.” He smiled “Well Granny kind of told the whole family about you yesterday and then Jenny opened her loud mouth...” I smirked, even though I only met Jenny once, I could tell she was a little pistol and it sounded like her.

  “Yes….and…” I said raising my brows. Cal laughed “and….I was hoping you would come rid the rumors that I’m dating a stripper…” I raised my brow and then slapped his chest. “You think you’re so funny Mr. Smith don’t you?” He placed a quick hard kiss on my lips and pulled back with a smirk “Yup….So will you come?” I chewed on my lip and swallowed a very provocative comment about how I already had “Yes.” He kissed me softly and rolled me back over into his arms. “Okay get some sleep school girl, you’ve got a big test tomorrow.” I sighed “Ugh, yes thanks for the reminder twerp.” He laughed “Twerp? What are we 10?” I looked back at him “Yes, yes I am 10.”

  He laughed and kissed the top of my head “You’re going to do great babe.” I had to stop the choir in my heart from signing out a praise…babe? I loved that word coming out of his mouth. I loved him…. I had to literally bite my tongue to prevent the words from flying out. Instead I wrapped his arms tighter around me and snuggled back into him, falling asleep in my own dream come true. I tried not to think about the side effects of when I woke up from the dream and my world came crashing down around me.

  Calvin

  It was Saturday around one. I was waiting in my parents drive way, leaning up against Big Blue. I had dropped Emerson off at Sarah’s house around 9 that morning. Jenny and Sam’s announcement party was semi-formal and Emerson was convinced that she didn’t own anything appropriate to officially meet my family. I smiled at the memory of her tearing apart her closet last night. Her hair was in a frantic bun and she only wore her bra and shorts.

  She was the cutest damn thing I ever saw. I frowned at the thought that I would have to leave her in five days. Time was running out and I still hadn’t told her I loved her. I had debated with myself since I first saw her the week before. I wasn’t sure if she loved me but I was positive she cared for me. She deserved to know where my heart truly stood before I left for three months. Although I was confident in my skills and in my team, we lost soldiers, it happened and we were always taking that risk. Being sent home in a casket was just as much of a reality as it was a fear. It was the reality of the job. I cringed of the thought of what that would do to my family and to Emerson. I shook out of it, reminding myself to stay positive. There were too many reasons why she needed to know. I made the decision that tonight would be the night. I wasn’t sure when but I knew I wanted it to be memorable.

  The sun was high in the sky and the air was filled with a crisp fall smell. Leaves were starting to change color and the warm autumn wind kissed my face. As I stood there I took it all in, all that was home to me. I heard an engine roaring down the street. I looked and saw that it was Sarah’s car. She pulled up and rolled down her window. She poked out her head “Don’t say I never did anything for you friend.” I laughed and then Emerson stepped out of the passenger’s side. Her Hair was loosely curled around her face, which was painted up perfectly to match her skin and eyes. She looked so naturally beautiful that I thought I was going to fall on my ass. I had never seen a woman look so graceful.

  I chuckled at the thought of Emerson being classified as graceful because she had to be the clumsiest person I had ever met. I smiled at her as I took her all in. Her dress was a cotton caramel colored Dress that was synched at the waist. It had short sleeves and went all the way up to her collarbone. When she turned around to wave good bye to Sarah I saw that it plunged down to the middle of her back with a swoop. It was classic and sexy, just like her. She smiled widely at me like she knew what a threat she was. Her dress stopped right before her knees and showed her long beautiful tan legs stopping at her wooden strappy wedgey things that she tried on with thirty outfits the night before.

  I walked towards her stunned at how beautiful she was. I was sure that I would never be able to find a woman so stunning. She laughed as her cheeks turned bright red “you’re kind of making me feel uncomfortable soldier.” I reached out my hand and pulled her into me “Pardon me princess.” I lowered my head down and smiled as I kissed her. She looked up at me with her big caramel eyes shining. “You ready for this?” She chuckled. “Yeah I guess.” She looked around the crowded driveway. “How many people does your family possibly know, the cars were lined up a mile down the road.”

  I laughed “The whole county is practically here…Mom loves to throw a party and because both their families have been here since the gold rush, they know everyone, and everyone knows about Mom’s parties….” I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck in anticipation. “Just brace yourself…you should have seen Jenny’s wedding…” She stood staring at me “Uh yeah I don’t know...I don’t like crowds too much.” She smiled and winked at me. I offered my arm “come on, just relax and enjoy yourself, Granny is excited to see you.” She smiled with a small shriek escaping her mouth.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Emerson

  Cal led me through a tunnel of vines on the side of the house that led to a large field of green grass. There were flowers everywhere and a large oak tree that had a tire swing hanging from it. Pink and blue lanterns hung from clear wire and white chairs were spread out on the porch. There was a long table with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres served buffet style and another table with ice buckets with a variety of water, beer and soda. A large banner hung from the balcony reading “Congratulations Jenny and Sam!” My jaw practically hit the floor. Cal wasn’t kidding this woman knew how to throw a party. “I can’t imagine what a formal p
arty would look like...” I said with my voice low. Cal laughed and kissed my hand then continued to lead me through a crowd of people “This way Babe.” There it was, the babe word again. It made my heart flutter with anxious anticipation.

  I spotted Ethel through the crowds of people sitting under the shade of the large tree. She was drinking ice tea out of a mason jar and observing people just like she always had at the hospital. Cal pulled me along quickly, straight to her and practically flung me into a chair. “Sweet Emerson.” Ethel’s voice greeted me as her soft brittle hand squeezed mine. “Hey Ethel!” I said with a huge smile. “How are you young lady?” I asked. She chuckled lightly and rubbed my hand. “Oh sweet girl how I adore you.” I smiled as Cal swept down to kiss his Granny on the cheek. “Hello Gorgeous you’re looking ravishing today.” Ethel laughed up at him. “Oh you two are full of it but I’m not a foolish old lady, I know when to take what I can get.” Cal looked over at me and smiled.

  “I take it I can leave you two for couple minutes to catch up?” I smiled and said “I am always up for quality time with my BFF.” He laughed and nodded “Okay then.” I was fully expecting him to kiss Ethel on the cheek, he always did when greeting or leaving her. However my heart nearly dropped to my stomach when he stopped and swiftly kissed me on the forehead before ducking out to say hello to his buddies. That was unexpected. I swear Ethel’s grin took up her entire face. Ethel and I sat, talking for a good thirty minutes. I caught her up on everything in my life and let her talk about her many trips. I managed to gracefully steer the conversation when she started to fish for information about Cal and I. Cal came by once in the half hour and handed Gran and I a sweet tea, this time only winking at me. Based on all of the stares and glares I was getting, I would have thought I was butt naked. I actually checked myself over a few times to be sure I didn’t have a nipple or something hanging out, which would be difficult with this dress.

  Cal came over to get me. After he gave Ethel the usual kiss on the cheek, I smiled at her and told her I would come say Good-bye to her later. Then Cal whisked me up and through the crowd. I leaned into him slightly and whispered “Hey is my ass hanging out or something?” He laughed loudly. “What?” I nudged him with my elbow “Shhhh….” I said desperately “People just keep staring at me…” He laughed quietly this time while shaking his head. “No you are fine” He pulled me around the house and through a door on the side.

  I began to ask “Um where are we…” when suddenly I was interrupted by a wet, slobbery slam into my legs. I looked down to see the cutest dog looking up at me. “Awe.” I got onto my knees and pet the adorable dog, not caring about my new dress that I spent half my grocery allowance on. “Oh my gosh he is so cute.” Cal got down next to me and began petting him lightly. “We think so huh boy? Emerson this is Copper, Copper this is Emerson.” I smiled “Well it’s so nice to meet you sir.” I said as I kissed Coppers big wet nose.

  Next I heard a slow clickaty clack noise on the concrete. I looked up to see an older, silver version of Copper coming towards me. “Em this is my old man Silver. He has been my best pal for over a decade.” A string pulled at my heart and my eyes got a little moist as I watched him gently pet his old friend. I pulled it together and leaned down to pet the sweet old pup. “Hello sir. You are dashingly handsome.” Silver began to wag his tail quickly and nudged my hand lightly. “He likes you.” Cal said in a low voice as he wore a half smile. Copper jumped on me as to say “pay attention to me!” I laughed as I tried to pet them both at once. Cal laughed with me as I got licks in the face from both the labs.

  We played with Copper and Silver for a few more minutes and then Cal stood and extended his hand to me. “Well Cop, Silv, Em and I can’t be anti-social all night…See ya later boys.” Copper whimpered a little and then Cal reached into his pocket and handed me a treat. I tossed it into the air and Copper jumped up and caught it in his mouth. “Impressive.” I admired. Then Silver sat calmly and Cal placed two gently in his mouth. Cal threw another in the air for Copper and walked me out of the garage closing the door behind us.

  Cal began to walk me back to the party and then he stopped. “And about everyone staring… it’s because you are gorgeous and that dress makes you the most attractive woman any of us have ever seen…so don’t take it personally.” I laughed “yeah right, nice try pal.” He shook his head “No seriously Em.” I shook my head back at him. “It’s probably because you usually have busty blondes on your arm.” He furrowed his brow like he was confused, I didn’t know that for sure I was just guessing or fishing for a confirmation of my suspicion I guess. “Ah no actually it’s probably because usually I have no girl on my arm, not around my family at least.” Then he calmly grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the party. Hmmm I wasn’t expecting that at all. I wasn’t sure to be flattered or concerned that maybe I was here as a friend? Right as I was about to ask I realized we were emerged in the party and it probably wasn’t the right time or place. I decided just to put that one in my pocket for later with the eight hundred other desperate questions I had for Mr. Smith.

  As we walked through the crowds, people stopped Cal, thanking him for his service, welcoming him home, sometimes asking when he would be out and what his plan was. He always politely answered their questions and then introduced me as “Emerson.” He didn’t say my friend or my girlfriend, just Emerson. I met a couple local judges, some local cops, Cal’s and Jenny’s old teachers, fire fighters that used to work with his dad before he retired and a lot of farmers and ranchers, along with extended family and friends. When the cops and paramedics from the night with Sid re-introduced themselves, I could feel my face turn red.

  Cal wasn’t kidding, there had to be a little over a hundred people here and it was just a quickly thrown together party. A party just to celebrate the fact that Jenny was pregnant. What would happen when the baby was born? I could imagine there would be circus performers and fireworks. We were walking towards Ethel when Jenny swooped in, Sam in tow. Jenny had a huge glowing smile on her face and was dolled up in a gorgeous yellow lace sundress and wedges. Sam was smiling but didn’t look as amused by the huge party.

  “Hey Big brother. I see you brought the lovely Emerson.” Jenny said as she embraced her brother. “Well between you and Grans I really had no choice.” He laughed, then he looked at me, probably realizing that it confused me a little. Did he not want me here and only brought me to humor his family? Sam and Cal hugged as Jenny hugged me and whispered in my ear. “You must be special.” She pulled back and smiled at me. I must be special? What did that mean? I just smiled and then returned a hug from Sam.

  I was quickly getting a feeling that what I thought Cal and I had maybe was more serious to me than Cal. A small pain in my gut formed. I just ignored it and engaged in the quick conversation. Sam and Cal bantered back and forth about things they did earlier in the week while I was in school. They had gone on hikes, four wheeling and even kayaking. I loved that Cal enjoyed to do those things and made a mental note that I would make a point to be more adventurous once I was able to have a life outside of nursing school.

  Some people from the group next to us began waving to Jenny and Sam. “Hey sorry to skip out on you guys but Sam’s family has been staring us down the whole time…we’ll see you in a little…plus Mom and Dad are walking up behind you, love you bye!” Jenny quickly grabbed Sam’s arm and pulled him with her towards his family. Cal just laughed “Bye Thanks. “Then sighed under his breath “Brat.” I looked at him and smiled. I felt so nervous that I thought I may throw up on his shoes. He lifted my Chin “Just breathe Babe, It’ll be fine.” There it was again! He was getting awfully loose with that word and I as started to feel a little led on by all the mixed signals.

  Cal quickly turned around and flung me gracefully to his side. I stumbled a little but he caught me around my waist with his arm, perfect timing to be clumsy Em. His parents looked normal. I wasn’t expecting aliens with green skin but I had to admit I was kind of expecting
uptight snoops. I could tell right away they were just the opposite. They seemed very down to earth. Just by the way Cal’s Dad held his Moms hand and how she smiled and giggled up at him, I could tell they were still deeply in love. I envied their relationship and I envied Cal for having a childhood filled with that influence.

  I adored and loved my parents but I didn’t belong to the most affectionate family. Everything with my parents seemed forced and fake. They were more prone to throwing money at a situation instead of using love to handle it. They weren’t married and hadn’t been since we were young. Mom was a busy Lawyer in Sacramento and Dad worked for the State. They weren’t always gone growing up but even when they were around they weren’t.

  My sister Elliott was my only real normal sense of family I had. She was always there to coach me through any tough time and also there just to be there. She was a busy speech pathologist that worked for all the schools in her district. She lived almost an hour and a half away in Reno, Nevada so I only saw her every month or so. My parents both only lived less than 30 minutes away, in opposite directions of each other and yet I saw them only when my Sister was in town, sometimes not even then.

  Sadly, even when I was in the hospital my parents would send a card with a check, flowers and balloons and if they had to communicate with me they would usually text me. They only came to see me a handful of times. The way they made me feel guilty for expecting more was that they were paying for the top of the line medical care, on top of insurance so I could be comfortable. They always said it like I owed them something and I guess technically I did, I owed them my life.